Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Tuesday, May 20
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Community Service»EP Gives gala blends joy, generosity and community connection
    Community Service

    EP Gives gala blends joy, generosity and community connection

    Annual Eden Prairie Community Foundation fundraiser returns May 1 at Minneapolis Marriott Southwest
    Stuart SudakBy Stuart SudakApril 18, 2025Updated:April 21, 20254 Mins Read
    State Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-49, Eden Prairie) sits with other attendees at the 2024 EP Gives gala. He will return as emcee for this year’s event on May 1. Courtesy photo
    State Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-49, Eden Prairie) sits with other attendees at the 2024 EP Gives gala. He will return as emcee for this year’s event on May 1. Courtesy photo

    It starts with a simple idea: Bring people together, raise some money, and change lives. But for Mary Mackmiller and Tina Palmer, co-chairs of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation’s EP Gives gala, it’s become something much deeper.

    “It’s more than just a party,” Palmer said. “It’s a chance to come together with Eden Prairie’s leaders and caring community members. Every year, I meet people I haven’t met before and hear amazing stories about the Foundation’s impact. It’s truly inspiring.”

    Hosted by the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, the gala is one of the organization’s largest annual fundraisers, supporting local nonprofits through grants and community programs.

    Now in its 45th year, EP Gives returns Thursday, May 1, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Minneapolis Marriott Southwest in Minnetonka. The evening will feature happy hour, dinner, live and silent auctions, and plenty of chances to support local nonprofits. The Foundation aims to raise $125,000; last year it raised $115,000.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    When Mackmiller got involved in 2012, attendance had declined, and the traditional format was losing appeal.

    “Those big dress-up fundraisers were, frankly, going out of style,” she said. “I wanted the event to feel more inclusive – a ‘come as you are, everyone is welcome’ kind of vibe.”

    Mackmiller also wanted to refocus attention on the event’s purpose. “The only reason we have this great event is to support the nonprofits in our community that do so much,” she said.

    Palmer, who joined the board in 2018 and rolled off last year, met Mackmiller soon after attending her first EP Gives. She’s been helping lead it ever since.

    “What we really do is help nonprofits in our community meet unmet needs – the things they can’t cover through their own fundraising,” Palmer said.

    Gala attendees from Flying Cloud Animal Hospital, a bronze sponsor of the 2024 EP Gives event, pose for a photo during last year’s celebration.
    Gala attendees from Flying Cloud Animal Hospital, a bronze sponsor of the 2024 EP Gives event, pose for a photo during last year’s celebration. Courtesy photo

    Though neither serves on the Foundation board anymore, they remain at the heart of the event. They now co-chair a committee of volunteers and staff, working nearly year-round.

    “It takes months and months of work – it really does,” Palmer said.

    Trips, tickets, and energy

    This year’s live auction features a few showstoppers: eight days in Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta, a week in Tuscany complete with a wine tasting and cooking class, a beachfront stay in St. Martin with a jeep tour, and a personal tour of the Minnesota State Capitol with state Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (who serves as the gala’s emcee this year). There’s also a local craft beer and seltzer package.

    The silent auction includes a whiskey and bourbon package, spa experiences, dining packages, and more.

    Attendees can enter a $100 Golden Ticket raffle for a chance to choose any live auction item. There’s also a $30 wine pull and a heads-or-tails game.

    “We usually don’t get a chance to eat,” Palmer joked. “We’re up and moving, helping people, and making sure everyone’s having a good time.”

    Stories behind the bids

    For Palmer and Mackmiller, the reason to keep showing up is simple: learning how the Foundation’s support has changed lives.

    Last year, EP Gives helped fund a domestic violence shelter that supported a pregnant woman and her young child as they fled abuse.

    Mackmiller recalled a PROP Shop client whose husband took everything in a divorce – even the furniture. “She came in with nothing – not even a mattress,” she said. “The PROP Shop gave her a bed, furniture, and support. Her whole demeanor changed.”

    Palmer pointed to another family, whose child with developmental disabilities found help through True Friends. “All three of those stories were made possible through EP Gives,” she said.

    Still time to join

    As of Friday, 208 guests had registered. Tickets, sponsorships ($1,500–$10,000), and challenge-match donations ($500+) are still available.

    “It’s really easy to register,” Palmer said. “You can go online or call the Foundation. They’ll help you.”

    She added, “Beyond the fact that you’re coming to this event and doing good, it’s just a really fun time. You see neighbors, meet city leaders, and connect with the community. Everybody leaves with a smile on their face.”

    Mackmiller agreed. “The energy in the room – you can feel it in your bones. People genuinely want to be there, and they’re so happy they came.”

    A popular beer package featuring gallons of craft beer and seltzers was part of last year’s EP Gives gala — and it’s back again in 2025. Courtesy photo

    Get tickets

    To register or learn more about the event, visit epgives.org. Those unable to attend can still support the cause by donating online.

    Questions? Contact Greg Leeper, executive director of the Eden Prairie Community Foundation, at gregleeper@epcommunityfoundation.org.

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleMorrison, Ellison warn of ‘unlawful’ federal overreach at town hall
    Next Article AM Rotary hosts 4th annual ECO EXPO

    More to READ

    6 Mins Read

    In memory and movement: Mom honors son’s legacy through grief and green ribbons

    May 16, 2025
    2 Mins Read

    Neighbors ‘pluck the yuck’ to clean up Duck Lake

    May 11, 2025
    2 Mins Read

    Short stacks, big impact at Lions pancake breakfast

    May 4, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025

    Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list

    May 20, 2025

    Former Eden Prairie man sentenced for posting nude images of woman online without her consent

    May 20, 2025

    May bike party undeterred by wind and cold

    May 20, 2025

    Walter Jerome ‘Jerry’ Dustrud

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.